Green Building and Sustainable Design

1.  Rainfall falls on most parcels of property throughout the world. Describe one method that could be used to collect this natural resource.

Simply placing barrels that are piped into by the gutters or eaves is an easy method to collect and store rainfall.

Website: http//www.calfinder.com/blog/green-remodeling/rainwater
2.  Describe an innovative construction method or technique that benefits the environment.

A method called rammed earth is used to help maintain the environment.  It takes all natural products and compacts them into making bricks for houses.

Website: http//www.greenhomebuilding.com/rammedearth.htm
3.   During the construction cycle of the building, materials and components are delivered to the site. List a strategy that you will use to recycle the waste produced during the construction phase. 

      Estimate the types and quantities of waste the project will generate and determine a schedule of when the wastes will be developed.  Work with all suppliers to reduce waste on a project by asking them to buy back unused product.
Website: http//www.neo.ne.gov/home_const/factsheets/const_waste_min.htm

4.  Energy use is high in commercial buildings. What might a designer do to reduce energy consumption in a building?

 Super efficient windows, lighting fixtures, and sustainable construction materials and design can make a major impact on energy performance.
Website: http//www.areadevelopment.com/viewpoint/august09/reduce-commercial-building-energy-costs013.shtml

5.   Building sites offer natural resources that can be utilized for the life of the building. Describe a method to use a site’s natural resources in the construction of the structure.        

Using sod on the old frontier was very green and also was very sustainable.  You can dig up new sod and repair the house at any time.     
Website: http//www.nebraskastudies.org/0500/frameset_reset.htm

Conclusion

1.  Describe an original green and sustainable idea that you have. Choose one that is not currently in use as far as you know.

In very snowy regions, you could have a large black container that will act as a catcher of snow.  Get a pipe to connect to the house where it can send clean and cold water straight inside to the house.

2.  Describe an improvement that you believe could be made to the building where you live. Describe why it is an improvement.

At my house, the windows could be changed so that they are not wide open to the hot summer sun.  This would help reduce the need for using the air conditioner as much.